TNAG-0916-FCO40-1127-Policy-on-salaries-and-pensions-for-civil-servants-in-Hong-K-1979 — Page 150

∞

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

Requirement to wear uniform

It is possible for the wearing of uniform to be regarded as involving an officer in higher maintenance costs in achieving the required standard of smartness. However, it can be argued that such costs might be more than offset by the saving in wear and tear on civilian clothes. It may also be argued that the wearing of uniform involves some loss of status but there is little evidence to support this. Any stigma attached to a uniform usually arises from the enforcement duties attached to the job. (See (b))

Outside Work in All Weathers

There is some work which must be undertaken in practically all weathers with consequent discomfort.

Previous Experience

There are certain grades where recruitment difficulties may require that a value be placed on relevant experience. In these grades such experience may be rewarded by the grant of additional increments. the majority of grades entry is at the starting point in the scale irrespective of previous experience.

Age

In

There are some jobs where a minimum age requirement has been set on the grounds that they cannot be successfully performed by a young and inexperienced officer. In such jobs, age may be rewarded by the grant of increments for each year by which the minimum age requirement exceeds the normal age of entry to similarly graded jobs. (The normal practice is that increments may be given for age or relevant experience but not both).

Competitive Entry

Where entry to a grade is subject to success in a competitive examination, the starting pay of the grade may be set at one increment above the normal. The reason for this practice is obscure. It could be said that where it is possible to limit entry to a grade by competitive examination there can be no shortage of candidates and additional pay is therefore unjustified.

Recruitment and Retention Difficulties

From time to time difficulties arise in recruiting and retaining officers in certain jobs or grades because rates of pay have become uncompetitive.

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